Valdes has announced his intention to end his 11-year Camp Nou spell at the end of the season, and the club has been linked with several high-profile replacements.

Pepe Reina, Thibaut Courtois and David de Gea are all apparently on their shortlist, but Valdes would like to see Barca promote from within, as they did when introducing him to the first team.

"This is the first time that I have been asked [about Masip] and I would really like it," he told reporters.

"I remember the day that [Louis] Van Gaal asked me to step up and play for the first team. It would be great if it turned out that someone home-grown was given the chance, but I know how hard that can be."

Masip, 24, has made 55 appearances for Barcelona B, but has yet to represent the Catalan giants.